Macro programs have been around for a long time. What are they? Macros are applications that allow you to record a specific set of actions you do regularly and repeat them with a single click or a keystrokes. But that’s not all they can do. You can also save text that you type often, and repeat them with a few clicks or keystrokes. Some macros can even launch applications.

I’ll be first to admit, while the thought of macros sounded super interesting to me, it took me a really long time to warm up to them. Mainly because the first few apps I tried was kinda technical and involved a little programming which I’m not a pro when it comes to Windows.

Then I found Direct Access. I was still a little skeptical how useful it would be for me. I was attracted to the autotext feature, not so much the application launcher. After all, how hard is it to launch an application? Can’t take more than 5 seconds. Just click Start, then All Programs then look.

But once I gave Direct Access a chance I can’t tell you how completely lost I feel without it. Here’s why.

Launching an application really is easier

I thought I was pretty quick at launching applications but have you noticed how many steps it takes just to get to the programs list. But that’s not all. Take a look at this screen shot. I’m not sure about you, but that’s a lot of applications. That’s already as lean as I can get it. Sometimes, there are more. It gets really difficult to find the right applications in that list. To make things worse, many developers these days like to put their apps in folders that are in their company name – not the application name which makes it even more difficult to find!

Using Direct Access, when I want an application, I just type it’s name or an abbreviation that I can customize. For example, to launch my browser, I simply type FF or IE.

Be kind to your hands and fingers

While I’ve not been diagnosed, I believe I suffer from arthritis. When it flares up, it hurts. When I use Auto Text in Direct Access, I type less. I have programmed all kinds of things into Auto Text. Here are a few examples.

• My own website URLs
• WordPress Tags
• Commonly used PHP code
• Commonly used HTML code
• Bios
• Affiliate URLs
• Email addresses
• Canned emails and responses

Saves time finding files and opening folders

Just like launching an application, using Direct Access helps me quickly open folders that I use regularly. Have you tried hunting for a folder and never seem to find it? Yeah so have I. Too often. I don’t anymore 🙂

So that’s a preview what Direct Access can do for you. I challenge you to try it and see if it doesn’t change the way you work. You can grab a free trial copy by clicking the button below.